A Loss Minimization Analysis in a New Interleaved DC-DC Buck Converter with Very High Step-Down Ratio

• Published in: 2019 20th Workshop on Control and Modeling for Power Electronics (COMPEL) pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Vecchia, Mauricio Dalla, Ravyts, Simon, den Broeck, Giel Van, Hallemans, Leonie, Tant, Jeroen, Driesen, Johan
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01-06-2019
• Subjects: Capacitors; Gain; High step-down ratio; Inductors; interleaved converter; Mathematical model; Minimization; Pulse width modulation; switched capacitor; Switches
• DOI: 10.1109/COMPEL.2019.8769711

Nowadays, DC microgrids are becoming more popular as they allow to increase the system's power transfer capability. This migration opens the possibility to explore DC-DC converters for application in these environments. Therefore, this paper explores and proposes a new step-down DC-DC converter for low voltage/low power in DC microgrids applications. The converter integrates the Valley-Fill switched capacitor structure in a double series-capacitor buck converter, increasing its step-down ratio. A loss model of the converter is presented and, based on the output power level, the optimal operational duty cycle for each interleaved leg can be selected. Additionally, the paper explores the functionality of the converter and its main characteristics, illustrated by simulation results.